The first of Bluffton’s eight Mid-Ohio League championship teams, the 1951 squad entered the Athletics Hall of Fame just one year before its 50-year anniversary. The Beavers posted a 6-2 overall record in 1951 and a 4-1 mark in the MOL.

In claiming its league crown, Bluffton recorded some impressive victories. Perhaps chief among them was the Beavers’ 13-7 victory over Ohio Northern—Bluffton’s first-ever triumph in 23 tries against the Polar Bears. A 12-3 win over Findlay was Bluffton’s first over the Oilers in 11 years, while a 27-12 Homecoming win over Ashland was the first against the Eagles in 10 years.

Second-year head coach Ken Mast fashioned an offensive unit that averaged an impressive 278 yards per game, while his defensive squad gave up one touchdown or less in five games.

Junior running back Charlie Spencer scored 14 touchdowns during the season and converted all of Bluffton’s 12 extra points. He was named first-team All-MOL, as were guard Bob Smucker and end Jim Oliver. Freshman quarterback Leland Garmatter earned second-team all-league honors as he passed for 710 yards and 10 touchdowns.

1951 BC Football